UK Offshore Operators AssociationUK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) is the representative organisation for the UK offshore oil and gas industry. Its members are companies licensed by the Government to explore for and produce oil and gas in UK waters.United Kingdom

The Nova Scotia Ocean InitiativeNSOI is a membership organization designed as:
1. A Simple Entry Point To All Nova Scotia Ocean Related Technology.
2. A Catalyst To Partnering And Team Building To Get The Right Connections Quickly.
3. A Business NetworkCanada

Belgian Shipowners' AssociationThe Belgian Shipowners' Association protects and defends the interests of its members on a national and international level.Belgium

Russian Destroyer for China

12/27/1999

Delivery of the first of two Sovremenny - class destroyers from Russia to Chinese Navy has just taken place. The vessel was built in the St Petersburg shipyard.

This very potent warship has been conducting sea trials with a mixed Russian-Chinese crew since February. The Sovremenny has eight launchers for SS-N22 ship-to-ship missiles. The missiles have a range of 160km, can carry nuclear warheads and are difficult to counter. The new warships have a strong anti-submarine armament, including a bow-mounted sonar, torpedo tubes, rocket launchers and a Russian KA-28 Helix twin-rotor helicopter.

While the Sovremennys represent a big advance in the navy's capabilities, analysts believe the Chinese Navy could face a steep learning curve in acquiring the necessary skills to operate the vessels effectively. They will pose a potential threat both to Taiwan warships and to any American aircraft carrier-based battle groups that may in future be deployed in the Taiwan Strait.